What tool to get these results?

[bryanmartin]

I'm looking at making some steps with the same dimple pattern shown on the tread of the steps in the picture. I'm sure this is done by some big stamping machine at the factory, but is there a tool available to get similar results? It looks just like the dimple/ flare dies I've used plenty of times, only much smaller.

 

[SuperCat]

Your picture is on imgur, it appears on GJ to be a broken link. I was able to view the picture by right clicking and selecting "open image in new tab," then click on the new tab on top of screen. I don't do metal work but I wanted to help other members view your picture. Cool stuff, good luck.

 

[bryanmartin]

Ok, got the picture link figured out. Thanks!

 

[rk_tek]

Dimple dies will do it. Of course they will work best 'upside down' as shown in the picture. "Grimples". If the die leaves a flat edge at the "bottom" of the dimple, a slightly larger hole will get rid of this and allow for better traction.

 

[joe49]

http://www.perforated-metal.net/perforatedmetal/perforated-dimple-sheet-metal-plank-grating.html



https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&rlz=1C1ASUT_enUS505US505&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=dimpled+tread+plate

 

[rsanter]

What do you have available?
You can drill each hole, then take a piece of steel that you drill a divot or hole into.
Center over that hole and use a punch from the back side.
If you drill a divot verses a hole then you can better control the size of the dimple you will be raising.

Bob

 

[Cypherian]

You can make your own dimple setup if this project is a one off, All you need is a few grade 8 Counter Sunk Machine screws of the head will have to match the dimple size you want., Then a solid piece of steel that will accept a hole and counter sink and leave enough meat to hold against some pounding. You make sure the solid steel will clear your pattern. Drill your pattern with a drill bit just undersize as the hole will expand when you dimple . Remove the threads from the screw place in hole you drill place block with corresponding hole and dimple in it under use an air hammer with a mushroom set on the screw head drive it down in and done. Rinse and repeat.

If you need a visual PM me k will show you how it is done via a few pictures.
Couple things to beware of first test your hole size and dimple / countersink size to ensure you get the desired results you may want to adjust up or down. Make sure you drill the holes with a clean drill and deburr with a countersink before dimpling or your dimple holes may crack material depending. Your counter sink on the steel block should be the depth of the screw countersink and some fraction of the thickness of the material your dimpling.

Cypher

 

[racingtadpole]

Sandwich your stock between a ball bearing and an off cut of pipe or a socket in a vice. Adjust size of ball and pipe/socket to achieve desired results.
A press will be faster if you have one available but either way it will still be quite time consuming

 

[matt_i]

I think if you have a punch press like a hydraulic iron worker you could do it in 2 steps. Punch the hole then mushroom the divot. Could also be based on an H frame press but you need something to be the "guide" for the punch so it stays centered with respect to the die. Then need the press brake attachment to bend the plate.

 

[BD1]

What thickness is the material gonna be ?? Check manufacture capacity , some
are only 1/8'' and others go to 3/16. I did read a few posts where the HF 20 ton press for $150.00 does work. Normally priced at $200.00 but on sale lately.

 

[aczr2k]

Much easier to buy what you need.

http://www.mcnichols.com/products/flooring/metal-plate/